Depression decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection of her left wrist condition and an increased rating for her persistent depressive disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted a TDIU from December 31, 2012 based on the combined effects of service-connected depression and hepatitis C. The initial compensable rating for hepatitis C is dismissed as part of a withdrawn claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, GAD, opioid dependence, and unspecified depressive disorder is remanded due to the submission of new evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the prior claim. The case will be further developed with a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding entitlement to a temporary total evaluation due to hospital treatment in excess of 21 days for a service-connected condition. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as related to his noise exposure during active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and anxiety and depressive disorders were granted, but his claim for a GI disorder was denied.,PTSD was not granted as the claimed stressors could not be verified.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, including a need for VA examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings, service connection claims, and a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hand disability and acquired psychiatric disorders are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as zero percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's tinnitus has been assigned a single 10 percent rating since September 2014 and there is no legal basis for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis of the low back, as well as his claims for increased ratings for his left hip and knee disabilities, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. His depressive disorder is also being granted secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's request to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including paranoid schizophrenia, is granted. The Board has decided that a VA examination should be conducted to determine if the Veteran currently has a psychiatric disorder and whether it is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and major depressive disorders, is granted as service-connected. The issues of right leg and left leg restless leg syndrome are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and TDIU as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or relationship to service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service and remands for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's claims for prostate condition, kidney stones, cysts on adrenal glands, vestibular dysfunction with vertigo, balance issues, and nausea, as well as acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and mood disorder) are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The issues of service connection and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and conflicting diagnoses in the Veteran's treatment records. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service.

The Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder is found to be related to his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The issue of service connection for tinnitus remains pending.